I heard that you
shouldn't use glass thermometers anymore. Is that
correct? Why?

Over the last 10 years the use of glass thermometers
which contain mercury have declined with the advent of
inexpensive digital thermometers. There are two reasons
why you should discontinue the use of glass
thermometers:

1) Mercury accumulates in the body causing
organ damage. Since there are hidden exposures to
mercury throughout one's lifetime (such as eating
contaminated fish) it doesn't make sense to potentially
expose a child early in life if it can be avoided.

2) If the thermometer breaks while you are
taking your child's temperature there is a risk of cuts
due to broken glass.

Larger stores such as Wal-Mart no longer
sell glass thermometers. Many hospitals provide a
digital thermometer for you when a baby is born or
hospitalized. While glass thermometers are usually just
$1.00, digital thermometers are only $5.00 - $8.00 and
worth the price for protecting your child.

Donna Dixon, former HES Extension Associate, College of Human Environmental Sciences,
University of Missouri Extension